Michelin has once again recognized the Windy City’s thriving culinary scene, adding three new restaurants to its Chicago Guide for 2024.
First on the list is Anelya, a Ukrainian-inspired restaurant in Avondale. Joining Anelya are Beity, a Lebanese eatery in Fulton Market, and Bayan Ko, a Filipino-Cuban fusion restaurant in Ravenswood.
Anelya, according to Michelin, is the brainchild of award-winning chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim. The duo, who rose to prominence with their Korean-inspired restaurant Parachute, brings a contemporary twist to traditional Ukrainian cuisine at Anelya. Menu highlights include Borsch, Varenyky dumplings, potato pancakes, and a small bites “Zakusky” cart.
Meanwhile, Bayan Ko, led by husband-and-wife team Raquel Quadreny and Lawrence Letrero, offers a unique tasting menu blending Filipino and Cuban flavors. For a fixed price, diners can enjoy a five-course meal featuring lobster and rice soup, “Vaca Frita” with wagyu beef, and Cuban tamales.
In addition, Beity joined several other local Mediterranean restaurants in the Chicago Michelin Guide. The Fulton Market spot serves Lebanese-inspired Mezze platters and creative cocktails in an intimate, sleek setting. Guests can savor a tasting menu that includes hummus plates, freshly baked pita, and various fish and meat dishes.
The Michelin Guide celebrates hidden culinary gems in cities across the country—inclusion in the guide positions restaurants for consideration in the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Star awards.
Currently, Chicago boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants. Fine dining institutions Alinea and Smythe each hold three-star distinctions, while Oriole, Ever, and Moody Tongue have earned two stars. Additionally, 15 other local favorites hold one-star awards.
With the release of the 2024 guide, Anelya, Beity, and Bayan Ko could soon join the roster of Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago. Michelin is set to announce its 2024 award recipients later this year.